US20060001339A1 - Corner cover for a cabinet - Google Patents
Corner cover for a cabinet Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060001339A1 US20060001339A1 US10/879,590 US87959004A US2006001339A1 US 20060001339 A1 US20060001339 A1 US 20060001339A1 US 87959004 A US87959004 A US 87959004A US 2006001339 A1 US2006001339 A1 US 2006001339A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cabinet
- side walls
- cover member
- top wall
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
- F16B12/44—Leg joints; Corner joints
- F16B12/50—Metal corner connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/06—Walls
- F25D23/062—Walls defining a cabinet
- F25D23/063—Walls defining a cabinet formed by an assembly of panels
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to the art of cabinets and, more particularly, to a cover member for concealing adjoining end sections of front face portions of an appliance cabinet.
- cover 2 includes a first end 3 having a pin 5 and tab member 7 that is inserted into an opening at the corner of the cabinet.
- Cover 2 also includes a second end 9 having a flexible clip 12 . Once pin 5 is inserted into the opening, clip 12 is deflected so as to engage with front face portions formed from the top wall and a respective one of the side walls of the cabinet. With this arrangement, a central portion 14 of cover 2 will extend over and conceal the gap, as well as an unfinished portion of the cabinet.
- a cover is simply glued or otherwise secured to the front face portion of the cabinet.
- the gap is filled with caulk or another type of sealant.
- caulk or another type of sealant In general, just using caulking or the like is not considered to be as aesthetically pleasing as employing a cover.
- repeated opening and closing of the refrigerator door can cause the various prior art attachment methods to allow the cover to become loose and/or fall off, exposing unfinished portions of the cabinet.
- flexing of the cabinet that occurs during fabrication and delivery may also cause the cover to become loose.
- corner cover having a more robust attachment structure. More specifically, there exists a need for a corner cabinet cover having an attachment structure adapted to withstand the rigors of assembly, as well as the stresses associated with daily use.
- the present invention is directed to a cosmetic cover for corner regions of a cabinet, such as a refrigerator cabinet.
- the cabinet includes first and second, laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall. At the point where the side and top walls meet, corner regions are formed.
- Both the side walls and top wall include in-turned flanges that define respective front face portions of the cabinet.
- the front face portions include corresponding end sections that adjoin at the corner regions. As end sections of the side walls adjoin end sections of the top wall at the corner regions, respective openings are established.
- the openings in the corner regions are defined by a gap established between the adjoining end sections of the particular front face portions.
- each end section includes a flange element that projects into the gap.
- Opposing flange elements are joined to increase the overall structural integrity of the cabinet, particularly at the corner regions. Joining the flange elements creates a slotted opening having three substantially straight edges.
- the cover member extends across portions of the adjoining end sections to conceal unfinished portions of the cabinet.
- the cover member includes a main body portion having longitudinally spaced first and second ends. More preferably, the first end includes a tab element that projects substantially perpendicularly from the main body portion.
- the tab element includes a split that creates a spring, and a hook member. When the tab element is inserted into the opening in the corner region, the spring biases the hook member outward to grip respective front face portions of the cabinet.
- the tab element is constituted by a cylindrical member and the hook member is formed integrally with the cylindrical member. More specifically, the hook member includes three prongs that engage with the three substantially straight edges of the slotted opening. In this manner, once the cylindrical member and hook member are inserted into the slotted opening, the radial spring biases the prongs outward, thereby establishing a robust connection with the cabinet.
- FIG. 1 is an upper right perspective view of a cover member constructed in accordance with the prior art
- FIG. 2 is an upper right perspective view of a top-mount refrigerator cabinet employing a cover member constructed in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 is an upper right perspective view of the cover member constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the cover member of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a left side view of the cover member of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a corner section of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 illustrating the cover member prior to installation;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the corner section illustrated in FIG. 6 showing the cover member installed.
- FIG. 8 is a rear view of the corner section of FIG. 7 illustrating a tab element portion of the cover member secured to the cabinet.
- a refrigerator generally indicated at 20 , includes a cabinet 22 .
- cabinet 22 includes first and second laterally spaced side walls 24 and 25 that are interconnected by a top wall 27 so as to form corner regions 29 and 30 .
- cabinet 22 is formed out of a single piece of bent sheet metal to which are secured rear and bottom walls (not shown).
- front edge portions (not separately labeled) of side walls 24 and 25 , as well as top wall 27 include respective in-turned flanges 33 - 35 that form front face portions for cabinet 22 .
- In-turned flanges 33 - 34 include corresponding end sections 40 and 41
- in-turned flange 35 includes associated end portions 44 and 45 .
- refrigerator 20 includes a freezer compartment 60 and a fresh food compartment 62 , each having a corresponding door 64 , 65 provided with respective handles 67 and 68 .
- doors 64 and 65 are pivotable about a vertical axis defined by a hinge such as indicated at 70 .
- Refrigerator 20 in the embodiment shown, constitutes a top mount model. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be employed in other refrigerator models, including side-by-side and bottom mount configurations.
- cover member 80 is positioned at each corner region 29 , 30 to cover a respective opening 50 .
- cover member 80 includes a main body portion 84 having a first end 87 that leads to a second end 88 through an intermediate portion 90 .
- a tab or peg element 92 is provided at first end 87 .
- a skirt portion 95 is also provided at first end 87 in order to extend over, for example, a portion of top wall 27 and side wall 25 to establish a more seamless appearance.
- second end 88 includes a flexible clip or gripping member 98 .
- Gripping member 98 is adapted to extend around in-turned flanges 33 , 35 or 34 , 35 so as to secure second end 88 to cabinet 22 .
- flexible gripping member 98 is provided with a corner surface portion 99 having a contour designed to nest into corner portion 30 to provide a more finished appearance for cabinet 22 as detailed further below.
- tab element 92 includes a cylindrical projection 110 having an upstanding wall portion 113 .
- Upstanding wall portion 113 actually defines a longitudinal axis for cylindrical projection 110 .
- a split 117 extends longitudinally along upstanding wall 113 and functionally forms a radial spring. With this arrangement, once tab element 92 is inserted into opening 50 , split 117 urges side portions (not separately labeled) of upstanding wall 113 outward to more fully engage with cabinet 22 .
- a hook member 124 is provided at cylindrical projection 110 .
- cover member 80 is molded of plastic such that hook member 124 is integrally formed with cylindrical projection 110 on either side of split 117 .
- Hook member 124 includes first and second tapered or angled prongs 128 and 129 that project tangentially from upstanding wall 113 on either side of split 117 .
- Each of first and second prongs 128 and 129 includes a corresponding deformable detent portion 132 and 133 that is adapted to engage with cabinet 22 .
- a third prong 135 is provided across a bottom portion of hook member 124 between first and second prongs 128 and 129 .
- hook member 124 can engage with three separate surfaces of cabinet 22 to more positively retain cover member 80 within opening 50 .
- first and second prongs 128 and 129 are provided on opposing sides of longitudinal split 117 , the radial spring force established by split 117 urges detent portions 132 and 133 outward to form a more robust connection, as will become evident hereinafter.
- opening 50 is actually constituted by a slot. More specifically, end portion 45 of in-turned flange 35 and end section 41 of in-turned flange 34 include corresponding angled portions 149 and 150 such that opening 50 has a substantially uniform width. Extending from each angled portion 149 , 150 is a flange element 154 , 155 . Flange elements 154 and 155 project into opening 50 and are actually mechanically interconnected with one another, such as through a welding operation or the use of mechanical fasteners (not separately labeled), to increase the overall structural integrity of cabinet 22 . Of course, other methods of attachment could also be employed. Once flanges 154 , 155 are connected, opening 50 is formed having a plurality of substantially straight edge sections 163 - 165 .
- cylindrical projection 110 is inserted into opening 50 .
- Cylindrical projection 110 is inserted until hook member 124 positively engages with edge sections 163 - 165 of opening 50 . More specifically, once cylindrical projection 110 is fully seated within opening 50 , first and second prongs 128 and 129 positively engage with edge sections 163 and 165 of opening 50 , while third prong 135 of hook member 124 extends under edge section 164 , as represented in FIG. 8 .
- skirt 95 extends across portions of both top wall 27 and side wall 25 .
- flexible gripping member 98 is deflected and drawn about corner portion 30 so as to clip to or otherwise grip in-turned flanges 34 and 35 .
- cover member 80 provides a robust attachment point to cabinet 22 . That is, the combination of longitudinal split 117 biasing prongs 128 and 129 outward to engage multiple edge sections 163 and 165 , prong 135 projecting behind flange elements 154 and 155 , and gripping member 98 extending around portions of in-turned flanges 34 and 35 , ensures that cover member 80 will not inadvertently become loose to undesirably expose unfinished portions of cabinet 22 , while providing an aesthetically appealing, finished appearance for cabinet 22 . Moreover, the robust attachment point ensures that, during a foaming process where foam is introduced into the cabinet to provide insulation, foam will not escape from opening 50 .
Abstract
A cabinet includes a decorative corner cover for concealing unfinished corner regions of the cabinet. The cabinet includes laterally spaced side walls that are joined by a top wall to form corner regions having an opening. The cover member includes a main body having first and second ends with the first end having a tab element that projects substantially perpendicularly from the main body portion. The tab element is preferably cylindrical and formed with a longitudinal slot that creates a radial spring. The tab element further includes a hook member integrally formed with the cylindrical element. The cylindrical element is inserted into the opening so that the hook member engages with the cabinet. The radial spring provides a biasing force that retains the cover in place. Preferably, the opening is constituted by a slot providing additional gripping surfaces for the hook member.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention pertains to the art of cabinets and, more particularly, to a cover member for concealing adjoining end sections of front face portions of an appliance cabinet.
- 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
- In constructing a cabinet, particularly a refrigerator cabinet, it is highly desirable to minimize the weight of the cabinet shell to reduce manufacturing, transportation and additional associated costs, yet it is imperative that the cabinet be structurally sound in order to counteract loads exerted thereon without deforming. Mainly due to cost efficiencies and flexibility in workmanship, it has been commonplace to utilize sheet metal in the forming of most refrigerator cabinets on the market today. Since sheet metal is thin and rather high loads tend to be concentrated on the shell, particularly by the opening and closing of a weighted-down refrigerator door, a fair amount of effort has been applied in this art to provide reinforcement for such a refrigerator cabinet shell. Of course, an additional important concern is also the ease of assembly, as well as the overall aesthetic appearance of the cabinet.
- With this in mind, it has been proposed to form side and top walls of a refrigerator cabinet shell out of a single piece of bent sheet metal and then to attach thereto rear and bottom walls. That is, the side walls and top wall are integrally formed by bending a single piece of sheet metal forming corner regions. Front edge portions of the side and top walls are in-turned to form front face portions of the cabinet. In most cases, each of the front face portions include end sections that terminate at the corner regions. With this arrangement, the end sections of the side walls adjoin the end sections of the top wall so as to define a gap or seam at each corner region.
- Some manufacturers, in order to provide a more finished look for their appliances, install a plastic, cosmetic cover, such as indicated at 2 in
FIG. 1 , over the gap or seam. As shown,cover 2 includes afirst end 3 having apin 5 andtab member 7 that is inserted into an opening at the corner of the cabinet.Cover 2 also includes a second end 9 having aflexible clip 12. Oncepin 5 is inserted into the opening,clip 12 is deflected so as to engage with front face portions formed from the top wall and a respective one of the side walls of the cabinet. With this arrangement, acentral portion 14 ofcover 2 will extend over and conceal the gap, as well as an unfinished portion of the cabinet. - In other cases, a cover is simply glued or otherwise secured to the front face portion of the cabinet. In still other cases, the gap is filled with caulk or another type of sealant. In general, just using caulking or the like is not considered to be as aesthetically pleasing as employing a cover. Unfortunately, repeated opening and closing of the refrigerator door can cause the various prior art attachment methods to allow the cover to become loose and/or fall off, exposing unfinished portions of the cabinet. In addition, flexing of the cabinet that occurs during fabrication and delivery may also cause the cover to become loose.
- Therefore, despite the existence of corner covers for refrigerator cabinets, there still exists a need for a corner cover having a more robust attachment structure. More specifically, there exists a need for a corner cabinet cover having an attachment structure adapted to withstand the rigors of assembly, as well as the stresses associated with daily use.
- The present invention is directed to a cosmetic cover for corner regions of a cabinet, such as a refrigerator cabinet. In accordance with the invention, the cabinet includes first and second, laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall. At the point where the side and top walls meet, corner regions are formed. Both the side walls and top wall include in-turned flanges that define respective front face portions of the cabinet. The front face portions include corresponding end sections that adjoin at the corner regions. As end sections of the side walls adjoin end sections of the top wall at the corner regions, respective openings are established.
- In accordance with the invention, the openings in the corner regions are defined by a gap established between the adjoining end sections of the particular front face portions. Actually, each end section includes a flange element that projects into the gap. Opposing flange elements are joined to increase the overall structural integrity of the cabinet, particularly at the corner regions. Joining the flange elements creates a slotted opening having three substantially straight edges.
- In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the cover member extends across portions of the adjoining end sections to conceal unfinished portions of the cabinet. Preferably, the cover member includes a main body portion having longitudinally spaced first and second ends. More preferably, the first end includes a tab element that projects substantially perpendicularly from the main body portion. The tab element includes a split that creates a spring, and a hook member. When the tab element is inserted into the opening in the corner region, the spring biases the hook member outward to grip respective front face portions of the cabinet.
- In further accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the tab element is constituted by a cylindrical member and the hook member is formed integrally with the cylindrical member. More specifically, the hook member includes three prongs that engage with the three substantially straight edges of the slotted opening. In this manner, once the cylindrical member and hook member are inserted into the slotted opening, the radial spring biases the prongs outward, thereby establishing a robust connection with the cabinet.
- Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.
-
FIG. 1 is an upper right perspective view of a cover member constructed in accordance with the prior art; -
FIG. 2 is an upper right perspective view of a top-mount refrigerator cabinet employing a cover member constructed in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an upper right perspective view of the cover member constructed in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the cover member ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a left side view of the cover member ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a corner section of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 illustrating the cover member prior to installation; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the corner section illustrated inFIG. 6 showing the cover member installed; and -
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the corner section ofFIG. 7 illustrating a tab element portion of the cover member secured to the cabinet. - With initial reference to
FIG. 2 , a refrigerator, generally indicated at 20, includes acabinet 22. In a manner known in the art,cabinet 22 includes first and second laterally spacedside walls top wall 27 so as to formcorner regions cabinet 22 is formed out of a single piece of bent sheet metal to which are secured rear and bottom walls (not shown). In the embodiment shown, front edge portions (not separately labeled) ofside walls top wall 27, include respective in-turned flanges 33-35 that form front face portions forcabinet 22. In-turned flanges 33-34 includecorresponding end sections flange 35 includes associatedend portions End sections flanges adjoin end portions flange 35 to form an opening 50 (FIG. 6 ) atcorner 30. In a manner also known in the art,refrigerator 20 includes afreezer compartment 60 and afresh food compartment 62, each having acorresponding door respective handles doors Refrigerator 20, in the embodiment shown, constitutes a top mount model. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be employed in other refrigerator models, including side-by-side and bottom mount configurations. - In order to provide a more finished appearance to the in-turned flanges or front face portions 33-35 of
cabinet 22, acover member 80 is positioned at eachcorner region respective opening 50. In accordance with the present invention, as best shown inFIGS. 3-5 ,cover member 80 includes amain body portion 84 having afirst end 87 that leads to asecond end 88 through anintermediate portion 90. In order to securecover member 80 to opening 50, a tab orpeg element 92 is provided atfirst end 87. In addition, askirt portion 95 is also provided atfirst end 87 in order to extend over, for example, a portion oftop wall 27 andside wall 25 to establish a more seamless appearance. In further accordance with the invention,second end 88 includes a flexible clip or grippingmember 98. Grippingmember 98 is adapted to extend around in-turnedflanges second end 88 tocabinet 22. More specifically, ascover member 80 is used atcorner portions member 98 is provided with acorner surface portion 99 having a contour designed to nest intocorner portion 30 to provide a more finished appearance forcabinet 22 as detailed further below. - In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
tab element 92 includes acylindrical projection 110 having anupstanding wall portion 113.Upstanding wall portion 113 actually defines a longitudinal axis forcylindrical projection 110. As shown, asplit 117 extends longitudinally alongupstanding wall 113 and functionally forms a radial spring. With this arrangement, oncetab element 92 is inserted intoopening 50, split 117 urges side portions (not separately labeled) ofupstanding wall 113 outward to more fully engage withcabinet 22. - In order to more fully
secure cover member 80 atcorner 30, ahook member 124 is provided atcylindrical projection 110. Actually, in the most preferred form of the invention,cover member 80 is molded of plastic such thathook member 124 is integrally formed withcylindrical projection 110 on either side ofsplit 117.Hook member 124 includes first and second tapered orangled prongs upstanding wall 113 on either side ofsplit 117. Each of first andsecond prongs deformable detent portion cabinet 22. In addition, athird prong 135 is provided across a bottom portion ofhook member 124 between first andsecond prongs hook member 124 can engage with three separate surfaces ofcabinet 22 to more positively retaincover member 80 withinopening 50. Actually, as first andsecond prongs longitudinal split 117, the radial spring force established bysplit 117 urges detentportions - Reference will now be made to
FIGS. 6-8 in describing a preferred method of attachment ofcover member 80 tocabinet 22. As best shown inFIG. 6 , opening 50 is actually constituted by a slot. More specifically,end portion 45 of in-turnedflange 35 andend section 41 of in-turnedflange 34 include correspondingangled portions opening 50 has a substantially uniform width. Extending from eachangled portion flange element Flange elements opening 50 and are actually mechanically interconnected with one another, such as through a welding operation or the use of mechanical fasteners (not separately labeled), to increase the overall structural integrity ofcabinet 22. Of course, other methods of attachment could also be employed. Onceflanges - Initially,
cylindrical projection 110 is inserted intoopening 50.Cylindrical projection 110 is inserted untilhook member 124 positively engages with edge sections 163-165 ofopening 50. More specifically, oncecylindrical projection 110 is fully seated within opening 50, first andsecond prongs edge sections third prong 135 ofhook member 124 extends underedge section 164, as represented inFIG. 8 . Once completely seated,skirt 95 extends across portions of bothtop wall 27 andside wall 25. At this point, flexible grippingmember 98 is deflected and drawn aboutcorner portion 30 so as to clip to or otherwise grip in-turnedflanges cover member 80 provides a robust attachment point tocabinet 22. That is, the combination oflongitudinal split 117 biasingprongs multiple edge sections prong 135 projecting behindflange elements member 98 extending around portions of in-turnedflanges cover member 80 will not inadvertently become loose to undesirably expose unfinished portions ofcabinet 22, while providing an aesthetically appealing, finished appearance forcabinet 22. Moreover, the robust attachment point ensures that, during a foaming process where foam is introduced into the cabinet to provide insulation, foam will not escape from opening 50. - Although described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. For instance, while the cover member has been described as engaging about an opening defined by three substantially straight sides, the cover could also be employed on openings of different geometries. In addition, although the cover member has been described in relation to a refrigerator, the arrangement could be employed in connection with other appliances or various types of cabinets in general. Finally, although the in-turned flanges defining the front face portions are preferably formed integral with the side and top walls respectively, the top and side walls could have in-turned flange structure attached thereto to define the front face portions. In any case, the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims.
Claims (25)
1. A cabinet comprising:
first and second, laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall forming respective corner regions, at least one of the first and second side walls having an in-turned flange including an end section and said top wall having an in-turned flange including an end portion, said end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall collectively defining a front face portion of the cabinet, with said end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall defining an opening at a respective one of the corner regions; and
a cover member extending across portions of the end section of the at least one of said first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall to cover the opening, said cover member including a main body portion having a first end and a second end, said first end including a tab element and a hook member, said tab element being formed from a resilient material which is split to create a radial spring, wherein the cover member is secured to the cabinet by inserting the tab element into the opening with the radial spring biasing the hook member to engage the front face portion.
2. The cabinet according to claim 1 , wherein the tab element is constituted by a cylinder having an upstanding wall, said split extending longitudinally in the upstanding wall.
3. The cabinet according to claim 2 , wherein the hook member is integrally formed with the cylinder, said hook member extending on opposing sides of the longitudinal split.
4. The cabinet according to claim 1 , wherein the opening defines a gap extending between the end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall.
5. The cabinet according to claim 4 , wherein the end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall including associated flange elements projecting into the gap, with the flange elements being interconnected to form three, substantially straight edge sections of the opening.
6. The cabinet according to claim 5 , wherein the hook member includes three prongs adapted to engage with corresponding ones of the three substantially straight edge sections.
7. The cabinet according to claim 6 , wherein at least two of the three prongs project tangentially of the tab element.
8. The cabinet according to claim 1 , wherein the first end of the main body portion includes a skirt portion adapted to extend over portions of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the top wall in the respective one of the corner regions.
9. The cabinet according to claim 7 , further comprising: a flexible griping member provided on the second end of the main body portion, said a flexible gripping member being adapted to extend over and engage with the front face portion.
10. The cabinet according to claim 8 , wherein the flexible gripping member includes a convex surface portion positioned at the respective one of the corner regions.
11. A cover member adapted to extend across an opening defined by adjoining in-turned end sections of top and side walls that establish a front face portion of a cabinet comprising:
a main body portion having a first end and a second end;
a tab element provided at the first end of the main body portion, said tab element being formed from a resilient material which is split to create a radial spring; and
a hook member provided at the first end of the main body portion, said cover member being adapted to be secured by inserting the tab element into the opening with the radial spring biasing the hook member to engage the front face portion.
12. The cover member according to claim 11 , wherein the tab element is constituted by a cylinder having an upstanding wall, said split extending longitudinally in the upstanding wall.
13. The cover member according to claim 12 , wherein the hook member is integrally formed with the cylinder, said hook member extending on opposing sides of the longitudinal split.
14. The cover member according to claim 13 , wherein the hook member includes three prongs adapted to project into the opening.
15. The cover member according to claim 14 , wherein the three prongs project tangentially from the tab element.
16. The cover member according to claim 11 , further comprising: a skirt portion provided at the first end of the main body portion, said skirt being adapted to extend over portions of the top and side walls.
17. The cover member according to claim 16 , further comprising: a flexible gripping member provided on the second end of the main body portion, said flexible gripping member being adapted to extend over and engage with the front face portion.
18. The cover member according to claim 17 , wherein the flexible gripping member includes a convex surface.
19. A cabinet comprising:
first and second, laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall forming respective corner regions, at least one of the first and second side walls having an in-turned flange including an end section and said top wall having an in-turned flange including an end portion, said end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall collectively defining a front face portion of the cabinet, with said end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall defining an opening at a respective one of the corner regions; and
a cover member extending across portions of the end section of the at least one of said first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall to cover the opening, said cover member including a main body portion having a first end and a second end, said first end including a tab element and a hook member extending from the tab element, said hook member including first, second and third prongs, wherein the cover member is secured to the cabinet by inserting the tab element into the opening with the first, second and third prongs of the hook member engage the front face portion about portions of the opening.
20. The cabinet according to claim 19 , wherein the first and second prongs taper relative to the tab element.
23. The cabinet according to claim 19 , wherein the first and second prongs extend tangentially from the tab element.
24. The cabinet according to claim 19 , wherein the tab element is split adjacent the first and second prongs such that the first and second prongs are biased away from each other when the hook member engages the front face portion.
25. A method of covering a corner portion of a cabinet having first and second, laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall forming respective corner regions, at least one of the first and second side walls having an in-turned flange including an end section and the top wall having an in-turned flange including an end portion, said end section of the at least of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall collectively defining a front face portion of the cabinet, with said end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall defining an opening at a respective one of the corner regions comprising:
attaching a first end of a cover member to the respective one of the corner regions with a tab element, formed from a resilient material which is split to create a radial spring, being inserted into the opening;
engaging a hook member of the cover member with the end section of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the end portion of the top wall, with the radial spring providing a biasing force to the hook member; and
laying the cover member across the front face portion at the respective one of the corner regions wherein said cover member is secured across the respective one of the corner regions so as to conceal the opening.
26. The method according to claim 25 , further comprising:
flexing a gripping member over the front face portion so as to secure the second end of the cover member.
27. The method according to claim 26 , further comprising: flexing a skirt portion formed on the first end of the cover member over outer surfaces of the at least one of the first and second side walls and the top wall upon attaching the first end of the cover member to the respective one of the corner regions.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/879,590 US7494198B2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2004-06-30 | Corner cover for a cabinet |
CA002506264A CA2506264A1 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2005-05-04 | Corner cover for a cabinet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/879,590 US7494198B2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2004-06-30 | Corner cover for a cabinet |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060001339A1 true US20060001339A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
US7494198B2 US7494198B2 (en) | 2009-02-24 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/879,590 Active 2025-04-06 US7494198B2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2004-06-30 | Corner cover for a cabinet |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US7494198B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2506264A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105004134A (en) * | 2015-07-24 | 2015-10-28 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Bent U-shaped box shell bending and splicing structure |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR102517729B1 (en) | 2018-10-12 | 2023-04-05 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Panel assembly and home appliance having the same |
US10677517B1 (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2020-06-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Cross member for an insulated structure |
US20230243513A1 (en) * | 2022-02-01 | 2023-08-03 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Concave recess for flush mount of a built-in appliance |
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US2214187A (en) * | 1937-12-15 | 1940-09-10 | Seeger Refrigerator Co | Corner finishing member |
US2286109A (en) * | 1940-07-30 | 1942-06-09 | Philco Corp | Refrigerator construction |
US2329755A (en) * | 1941-07-18 | 1943-09-21 | Nash Kelvinator Corp | Refrigerating apparatus |
US2348812A (en) * | 1940-05-16 | 1944-05-16 | Servel Inc | Refrigerator cabinet |
US2358221A (en) * | 1941-10-16 | 1944-09-12 | Nash Kelvinator Corp | Refrigerating apparatus |
US2527932A (en) * | 1948-05-07 | 1950-10-31 | Seeger Refrigerator Co | Refrigerator cabinet breaker strip construction |
US2940632A (en) * | 1958-11-03 | 1960-06-14 | Foster Refrigerator Corp | Refrigerator |
US3915328A (en) * | 1974-02-11 | 1975-10-28 | Tetra Plastics | Frame means for connecting structural members together |
US4196952A (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1980-04-08 | General Electric Company | Cabinet corner cap assembly |
US4496072A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1985-01-29 | Whirlpool Corporation | Insulated cabinet collar corner element |
US4805370A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1989-02-21 | General Electric Company | Cabinet corner cap and method of assembly |
US6209175B1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 2001-04-03 | Bruce Gershenson | Fastening system |
US6471313B1 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2002-10-29 | Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd. | Corner cover mounting structure for heat-insulated housing for use in refrigerator |
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NL8104147A (en) | 1981-09-07 | 1983-04-05 | Ie Pe Ge B V | FURNITURE ELEMENT FITTED WITH AN ANGLE. |
-
2004
- 2004-06-30 US US10/879,590 patent/US7494198B2/en active Active
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2005
- 2005-05-04 CA CA002506264A patent/CA2506264A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2214187A (en) * | 1937-12-15 | 1940-09-10 | Seeger Refrigerator Co | Corner finishing member |
US2348812A (en) * | 1940-05-16 | 1944-05-16 | Servel Inc | Refrigerator cabinet |
US2286109A (en) * | 1940-07-30 | 1942-06-09 | Philco Corp | Refrigerator construction |
US2329755A (en) * | 1941-07-18 | 1943-09-21 | Nash Kelvinator Corp | Refrigerating apparatus |
US2358221A (en) * | 1941-10-16 | 1944-09-12 | Nash Kelvinator Corp | Refrigerating apparatus |
US2527932A (en) * | 1948-05-07 | 1950-10-31 | Seeger Refrigerator Co | Refrigerator cabinet breaker strip construction |
US2940632A (en) * | 1958-11-03 | 1960-06-14 | Foster Refrigerator Corp | Refrigerator |
US3915328A (en) * | 1974-02-11 | 1975-10-28 | Tetra Plastics | Frame means for connecting structural members together |
US4196952A (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1980-04-08 | General Electric Company | Cabinet corner cap assembly |
US4496072A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1985-01-29 | Whirlpool Corporation | Insulated cabinet collar corner element |
US4805370A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1989-02-21 | General Electric Company | Cabinet corner cap and method of assembly |
US6209175B1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 2001-04-03 | Bruce Gershenson | Fastening system |
US6471313B1 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2002-10-29 | Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd. | Corner cover mounting structure for heat-insulated housing for use in refrigerator |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105004134A (en) * | 2015-07-24 | 2015-10-28 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Bent U-shaped box shell bending and splicing structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US7494198B2 (en) | 2009-02-24 |
CA2506264A1 (en) | 2005-12-30 |
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